Sicilian Culture: The Food: Tomato, Basil & Mozzarella Salad (Insalata Caprese)

The Food: Insalata Caprese

Tomato, Basil & Mozzarella Salad

INGREDIENTS
Fresh Garden or Beefsteak Tomatoes
Fresh "Wet" Mozzarella
Oregano
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Fresh Basil Leaves
Salt & Pepper to Taste (Optional)
This is another familiar dish and is simple to prepare. It makes a great "starter" in the Summer months as well when these ingredients will be freshest and easily grown. You will often see this on the menu as "insalata caprese" because they say this salad originated on the beautiful Itlalian island of Capri.
You can use either sliced fresh buffalo milk mozzarella or the smaller "boccocini" which are the little round balls of the mozzarella. If you are using the boccocini, simply toss them with all the other ingredients, slicing the tomatoes first into chunks first.
If you are using the larger, baseball or softball size mozzarella, slice it thin, slice the tomatoes, and arrange in a tray or dish, using a slice of tomato, slice of mozzarella and basil leaf, season with drizzle of olive oil, and light sprinkle of oregano. Salt and pepper is strictly optional, and real Italians do NOT use vinegar (balsamic or otherwise) as the acidity will take away from the creamy taste of the mozzarella and upset the balance of the sweet tomatoes.

HOME